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By: Kongoi Gborkorquellie, Contributing writer
In a bold step toward transforming Liberia’s agriculture, Mr. Isaac F. Sulonteh, a Philippines-trained agronomist, is pioneering a breakthrough in rice production. At his “Zuritala Rice Multiplication Site” in Gbarnga, Bong County, Mr. Sulonteh showcased four high-yield rice varieties, positioning them as a cornerstone for achieving national food security.
The multiplication of four rice varieties—two inbred and two hybrid types—has great potential to increase Liberia’s domestic rice production. The varieties’ three-month maturity and adaptability to Liberia’s iron-toxic soils are key features that could make them a game-changer for local farmers.
The fact that the inbred varieties can be replanted offers an opportunity for sustainability, while the hybrid varieties, although requiring ongoing procurement, offer higher yields.
However, Sulonteh’s call for government and NGO support underscores the pressing need for mechanized tools and fertilizers to scale up this initiative. His vision of forming cooperatives to foster collective action and reduce dependency on imported rice is also commendable. By training others and promoting knowledge-sharing, Sulonteh is laying the foundation for a more self-reliant agricultural future in Liberia.
This initiative, if supported, has the potential to transform Liberia’s rice sector, provide economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, and significantly enhance food security across the country. It is an example of how individual efforts, combined with collaboration, can lead to meaningful change.
To maintain his research’s integrity, Mr. Sulonteh, during a live interview with Journalist, temporarily named the varieties X1, X2, and X3. He said variety X1 yields up to 9 tons per hectare under optimal conditions, X2 can produce 11–12 tons, and X3, a hybrid, yields 12 tons in its first generation.
“These varieties are a game-changer,” said Mr. Sulonteh, indicating their three-month maturity and adaptability to Liberia’s iron-toxic soils.
Despite the success, Mr. Sulonteh faces challenges, including the lack of mechanized tools and fertilizers.
He called on the Liberian government, NGOs, and stakeholders for support to scale up the initiative, underscoring the importance of rice in Liberia’s food security. “Rice is our staple food. Producing it locally in high quantities can feed our population and allow us to export to neighboring countries,” he stated.
Encouraging all Liberians to cultivate small rice plots, he expressed his vision of forming cooperatives to scale production. “This cannot be done alone. We need networks of farmers producing seeds and supplying them across the country,” he said.
He further called for collaboration and knowledge-sharing to transform Liberia’s rice sector. “I want to train others to do what I’m doing. Together, we can reduce our dependency on imports,” he added.
As Liberia tackles food security challenges, Mr. Sulonteh’s innovative efforts at the Zuritala Rice Multiplication Site demonstrate how determination and innovation can shape a self-reliant agricultural future.
